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Fulltext Zinc transporter-3 [SLC30A3(rs11126936)]polymorphismis associated with major depressive disorderin Asian subjects

Lye, Munn-Sann, Aishah-Farhana Shahbudin, Tey, Yin-Yee, Tor, Yin-Sim, Ling, King-Hwa, Normala Ibrahim, et al.

Neuroscience Research Notes, 2019;2(3):20-28.
MyJurnal

Major depressive disorder (MDD) compromises the individual’s capacity for self-care and productivity. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of a number of genes have been associated with MDD. The zinc transporter-3 protein, encoded by the ZnT3 (SLC30A3) gene, maintains zinc-glutamate homeostasis at the glutamatergic synapse, a disruption of which increases risk of MDD. We hypothesise that variation in SLC30A3 (rs11126936)SNP increases risk of MDD. We recruited 300 MDD cases and 300 controls, matched in theratio of 1:1 by age, gender and ethnicity. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was used in DNA genotyping, validated by sequencing 10%of samples. Deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was tested using the chi-square test. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios, controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, occupation and family monthly income.Genotypes G/G and G/T showed two times greater odds of developing MDD compared to variant genotype T/T (OR=1.983, 95% CI=1.031-3.815; p=0.040 and OR=2.232, 95% CI=1.100-4.533; p=0.026 respectively). Carriers of genotypes G/G and G/T of the SNP rs11126936 in SLC30A3are associated with increased risk of MDD.

Matched MeSH terms: Depressive Disorder, Major
Fulltext Working conditions, self-perceived stress, anxiety, depression and quality of life: a structural equation modelling approach

Rusli BN, Edimansyah BA, Naing L

BMC Public Health, 2008 Feb 06;8:48.
PMID: 18254966 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-8-48

BACKGROUND: The relationships between working conditions [job demand, job control and social support]; stress, anxiety, and depression; and perceived quality of life factors [physical health, psychological wellbeing, social relationships and environmental conditions] were assessed using a sample of 698 male automotive assembly workers in Malaysia.
METHODS: The validated Malay version of the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) were used. A structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis was applied to test the structural relationships of the model using AMOS version 6.0, with the maximum likelihood ratio as the method of estimation.
RESULTS: The results of the SEM supported the hypothesized structural model (chi2 = 22.801, df = 19, p = 0.246). The final model shows that social support (JCQ) was directly related to all 4 factors of the WHOQOL-BREF and inversely related to depression and stress (DASS). Job demand (JCQ) was directly related to stress (DASS) and inversely related to the environmental conditions (WHOQOL-BREF). Job control (JCQ) was directly related to social relationships (WHOQOL-BREF). Stress (DASS) was directly related to anxiety and depression (DASS) and inversely related to physical health, environment conditions and social relationships (WHOQOL-BREF). Anxiety (DASS) was directly related to depression (DASS) and inversely related to physical health (WHOQOL-BREF). Depression (DASS) was inversely related to the psychological wellbeing (WHOQOL-BREF). Finally, stress, anxiety and depression (DASS) mediate the relationships between job demand and social support (JCQ) to the 4 factors of WHOQOL-BREF.
CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that higher social support increases the self-reported quality of life of these workers. Higher job control increases the social relationships, whilst higher job demand increases the self-perceived stress and decreases the self-perceived quality of life related to environmental factors. The mediating role of depression, anxiety and stress on the relationship between working conditions and perceived quality of life in automotive workers should be taken into account in managing stress amongst these workers.

Matched MeSH terms: Depressive Disorder/epidemiology*
Fulltext Working Memory From the Psychological and Neurosciences Perspectives: A Review

Chai WJ, Abd Hamid AI, Abdullah JM

Front Psychol, 2018;9:401.
PMID: 29636715 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00401

Since the concept of working memory was introduced over 50 years ago, different schools of thought have offered different definitions for working memory based on the various cognitive domains that it encompasses. The general consensus regarding working memory supports the idea that working memory is extensively involved in goal-directed behaviors in which information must be retained and manipulated to ensure successful task execution. Before the emergence of other competing models, the concept of working memory was described by the multicomponent working memory model proposed by Baddeley and Hitch. In the present article, the authors provide an overview of several working memory-relevant studies in order to harmonize the findings of working memory from the neurosciences and psychological standpoints, especially after citing evidence from past studies of healthy, aging, diseased, and/or lesioned brains. In particular, the theoretical framework behind working memory, in which the related domains that are considered to play a part in different frameworks (such as memory's capacity limit and temporary storage) are presented and discussed. From the neuroscience perspective, it has been established that working memory activates the fronto-parietal brain regions, including the prefrontal, cingulate, and parietal cortices. Recent studies have subsequently implicated the roles of subcortical regions (such as the midbrain and cerebellum) in working memory. Aging also appears to have modulatory effects on working memory; age interactions with emotion, caffeine and hormones appear to affect working memory performances at the neurobiological level. Moreover, working memory deficits are apparent in older individuals, who are susceptible to cognitive deterioration. Another younger population with working memory impairment consists of those with mental, developmental, and/or neurological disorders such as major depressive disorder and others. A less coherent and organized neural pattern has been consistently reported in these disadvantaged groups. Working memory of patients with traumatic brain injury was similarly affected and shown to have unusual neural activity (hyper- or hypoactivation) as a general observation. Decoding the underlying neural mechanisms of working memory helps support the current theoretical understandings concerning working memory, and at the same time provides insights into rehabilitation programs that target working memory impairments from neurophysiological or psychological aspects.

Matched MeSH terms: Depressive Disorder, Major
Which somatic symptoms are associated with an unfavorable course in Chinese patients with major depressive disorder?

Novick D, Montgomery WS, Aguado J, Peng X, Brugnoli R, Haro JM

Asia Pac Psychiatry, 2015 Dec;7(4):427-35.
PMID: 26047023 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12189

This was an analysis of the impact of somatic symptoms on the severity and course of depression in Chinese patients treated for an acute episode of major depressive disorder (MDD).

Matched MeSH terms: Depressive Disorder, Major/epidemiology*; Depressive Disorder, Major/therapy
Fulltext Weather fluctuations: predictive factors in the prevalence of acute coronary syndrome

Sharif Nia H, Chan YH, Froelicher ES, Pahlevan Sharif S, Yaghoobzadeh A, Jafari A, et al.

Health Promot Perspect, 2019;9(2):123-130.
PMID: 31249799 DOI: 10.15171/hpp.2019.17

Background: Meteorological parameters and seasonal changes can play an important role in the occurrence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, there is almost no evidence on a national level to suggest the associations between these variables and ACS in Iran. We aim to identify the meteorological parameters and seasonal changes in relationship to ACS. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted between 03/19/2015 to 03/18/2016 and used documents and records of patients with ACS in Mazandaran ProvinceHeart Center, Iran. The following definitive diagnostic criteria for ACS were used: (1) existence of cardiac enzymes (CK or CK-MB) above the normal range; (2) Greater than 1 mm ST-segment elevation or depression; (3) abnormal Q waves; and (4) manifestation of troponin enzyme in the blood. Data were collected daily, such as temperature (Celsius) changes, wind speed and its direction, rainfall, daily evaporation rate; number of sunny days, and relative humidity were provided by the Meteorological Organization of Iran. Results: A sample of 2,054 patients with ACS were recruited. The results indicated the highest ACS events from March to May. Generally, wind speed (18 PM) [IRR = 1.051 (95% CI: 1.019 to1.083), P=0.001], daily evaporation [IRR = 1.039 (95% CI: 1.003 to 1.077), P=0.032], daily maximum (P<0.001) and minimum (P=0.003) relative humidity was positively correlated withACS events. Also, negatively correlated variables were daily relative humidity (18 PM) [IRR =0.985 (95% CI: 0.978 to 0.992), P<0.001], and daily minimum temperature [IRR = 0.942 (95%CI: 0.927 to 0.958), P<0.001]. Conclusion: Climate changes were found to be significantly associated with ACS; especially from cold weather to hot weather in March, April and May. Further research is needed to fully understand the specific conditions and cold exposures.

Matched MeSH terms: Depressive Disorder
Vulvovaginal candidosis: contemporary challenges and the future of prophylactic and therapeutic approaches

Chew SY, Than LT

Mycoses, 2016 May;59(5):262-73.
PMID: 26765516 DOI: 10.1111/myc.12455

Vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC) is a common gynaecological disorder that is delineated by the inflammation of vaginal wall and it is caused by the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida species. In fact, three out of every four women will experience at least one occasion of VVC during some point in their lives. Although uncomplicated VVC is relatively harmless, the complicated VVC such as recurrent attack often creates restlessness and depression in the patients, thus greatly affects their quality of life. Managements of VVC are usually associated with the use of antimycotic suppositories, topical cream or oral agents. These antimycotic agents are either available over-the-counter or prescribed by the clinicians. In recent decades, the rise of clinical challenges such as the increased prevalence of resistant Candida strains, recurrent VVC infection and adverse effects of multidrug interactions have necessitated the development of novel therapeutic or prophylactic options to combat the complicated VVC in the future. In this review, we discuss the current antimycotic treatments available for Candida vaginitis and the problems that exist in these seemingly effective treatments. Besides, we attempt to contemplate some of the future and prospective strategies surrounding the development of alternative therapeutic and prophylactic options in treating and preventing complicated VVC respectively.

Matched MeSH terms: Depressive Disorder
Fulltext Validation of the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA-2) questionnaire in hospitalized patients with major depressive disorder

Eggart M, Todd J, Valdés-Stauber J

PLoS One, 2021;16(6):e0253913.
PMID: 34170963 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253913

OBJECTIVES: Interoception refers to the sensation, interpretation, and integration of internal somatic signals. Abnormalities in self-reported interoception are prevalent features of major depressive disorder (MDD) and may affect treatment outcomes. In the present study, we investigated the psychometric properties of the revised eight-dimensional and 37-item Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness questionnaire (the MAIA-2) in a severely depressed sample, after translating two updated scales (Not-Distracting, Not-Worrying) into German. Specifically, we examined the measure's internal consistency reliability, sensitivity to change, and minimal important differences (MID) with a focus on patient's antidepressive responses to treatment.
METHODS: The study enrolled 110 participants (age: M = 46.85, SD = 11.23; female: 55.45%) undergoing hospital treatment, of whom 87 were included in the pre-post analysis. Participants completed a German translation of MAIA-2 and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (pre-/post-treatment). Internal consistency reliability was determined by Cronbach's α/McDonalds's ω, sensitivity to change was determined by effect sizes, and MIDs were determined by distribution- (0.5*SD) and anchor-based approaches (mean change method; ROC curve cut-points).
RESULTS: Depression severity reduced over the course of treatment (Median = -65.22%), and 34.48% of patients achieved remission. Reliability was appropriate for post-treatment (range of ω: .70-.90), but questionable for two pre-treatment scales (Noticing: ω = .64; Not-Distracting: ω = .66). The eight dimensions of MAIA-2 were sensitive to change (standardized response mean: .32-.81; Cohen's effect size: .30-.92). Distribution-based MIDs (.38-.61) and anchor-based mean change MIDs (remission vs. partial response: .00-.85; partial response vs. nonresponse: .08-.88) were established on the group level. For six scales, ROC cut-points (remission: .00-1.33; response: -.20-1.00) demonstrated accurate classification to treatment response groups on the individual level.
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the applicability of the MAIA-2 questionnaire in MDD. The updated version may have led to reliability improvements regarding the revised scales, but subthreshold reliability was evident prior to treatment. The measure's dimensions were sensitive to change. MIDs were established that corresponded with antidepressive treatment outcomes. Our findings are consistent with a growing area of research which considers somatic feelings as key contributors to mental health.

Matched MeSH terms: Depressive Disorder, Major/diagnosis; Depressive Disorder, Major/epidemiology*; Depressive Disorder, Major/physiopathology
Fulltext Validation of the Malay-translated version of the center for epidemiological study - depression scale (CES-D)

Nurul Hazrina Mazlan, Affizal Ahmad

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2014;15(1):54-65.
MyJurnal

Objective: This study aims to establish the validity and reliability of the Malay- translated version of the CES-D. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional study design. The participants were female inmates (n=90) from local prisons which were selected based on purposive-selective sampling. The analyses include face validation, factor analysis, and reliability testing. A test-retest was conducted within a one-week interval. Results: The mean score for depression among the participants is 18.97 (SD=6.51). Further descriptive analysis showed that 58.9% of them scored above the mean score, which is considered high. Preliminary construct validation analysis confirmed that factor analysis was appropriate for the Malay-translated version of the CES-D. Furthermore, the factor analysis showed similar factor loadings to the original English version. The total internal consistency of the translated version, which was measured by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, was equal to 0.75. The test-retest reliability of the total score, measured by Pearson’s correlation was equal to 0.69. Conclusions: Face validity, construct validity, and reliability analysis were found satisfactory for the Malay-translated version of the CES-D. The Malay-translated version of the CES-D was found valid and reliable to be used in future studies, with comparable properties to the original version and to previous studies. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (1): January - June 2014: 54-65.

Matched MeSH terms: Depressive Disorder
Validation of the Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ) in Malaysia

Jaafar MH, Villiers-Tuthill A, Sim SH, Lim MA, Morgan K

Aging Ment Health, 2020 04;24(4):620-626.
PMID: 30596467 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2018.1550631

Objectives: The Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ) has five domains that explore views about own ageing. The aim of this study was to validate the B-APQ for use among older adults in Malaysia and to explore socio-demographic variations in ageing self-perceptions.Method: Older adults aged 50 years and above were randomly selected to complete a set of questionnaires. Cronbach's α was used to measure internal consistency, while corrected item-total correlations and correlation with DASS-21 and the CASP-19 scores were employed to assess convergent and discriminant validity. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to confirm the factorial structure of the B-APQ. Difference in self-perceptions of ageing across socio-demographic variables was assessed.Results: Internal consistency for each of the domains was good. Item-total correlations within each domain were strong (>0.6) or very strong (>0.8). Convergent and discriminant validity were supported by significant correlations with DASS-21 depression and CASP-19 scores. CFA results indicated good model fit with the original B-APQ model. Presence of chronic illness also has a significant impact on B-APQ domain scores.Conclusion: The B-APQ is a valid and reliable instrument which can be used to assess self-perceptions of ageing among older Malaysian adults.

Matched MeSH terms: Depressive Disorder
Fulltext Validation of Malay Version of Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale: Comparison between Depressed Patients and Healthy Subjects at an Out-Patient Clinic in Malaysia

Ng CG, Chin SC, Yee AH, Loh HS, Sulaiman AH, Sherianne Sook Kuan W, et al.

Malays J Med Sci, 2014 May;21(3):62-70.
PMID: 25246837

BACKGROUND: The Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) is a self-assessment scale designed to evaluate anhedonia in various psychiatric disorders. In order to facilitate its use in Malaysian settings, our current study aimed to examine the validity of a Malay-translated version of the SHAPS (SHAPS-M).
METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 44 depressed patients and 82 healthy subjects were recruited from a university out-patient clinic. All participants were given both the Malay and English versions of the SHAPS, Fawcett-Clark Pleasure Scale (FCPS), General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to assess their hedonic state, general mental health condition and levels of depression.
RESULTS: The results showed that the SHAPS-M has impressive internal consistency (α = 0.96), concurrent validity and good parallel-form reliability (intraclass coefficient, ICC = 0.65).
CONCLUSION: In addition to demonstrating good psychometric properties, the SHAPS-M is easy to administer. Therefore, it is a valid, reliable, and suitable questionnaire for assessing anhedonia among depressed patients in Malaysia.
KEYWORDS: Malaysia; anhedonia; depression; neuroscience; pleasure; psychiatry; psychology; validation
Study site: Psychiatric clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Depressive Disorder*
Fulltext Validation and Psychometric Properties of Bahasa Malaysia Version of the Depression Anxiety And Stress Scales (DASS) Among Diabetic Patients

Ramli, M., Salmiah, M.A., Nurul Ain, M.

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2009;18(2):1-6.
MyJurnal

Background: Having a validated questionnaire in any field would nurture a research path in that particular area. The aim of this study was to validate the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21-item (DASS-21) Bahasa Malaysia (BM) version among clinical subjects who were diabetic patients. Objectives: To determine the reliability and construct validity of the BM DASS by looking at internal consistency and exploratory factor analysis respectively. Methods: The BM DASS was administered to a total of 153 diabetic patients. These patients were selected when they came to 15 retail pharmacies all over the Klang Valley. Results: The BM DASS-21 had very good Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.75, 0.74 and 0.79, respectively for depression, anxiety and stress subscales. For construct validity, it also had good factor loading values for 17 out of 21 items (.31 to .75). Conclusions: The results of this study entrenched the evidence that the BM DASS-21 had excellent psychometric properties and therefore it is suitable to be used for the Malaysian clinical population.

Matched MeSH terms: Depressive Disorder
Fulltext Use of complementary and alternative medicine and adherence to antiepileptic drug therapy among epilepsy patients: a systematic review

Farrukh MJ, Makmor-Bakry M, Hatah E, Tan HJ

Patient Prefer Adherence, 2018;12:2111-2121.
PMID: 30349205 DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S179031

Purpose: To identify the use pattern of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and its impact on antiepileptic drug (AED) adherence among patients with epilepsy.
Method: Potential studies were identified through a systematic search of Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and PubMed. The keywords used to identify relevant articles were "adherence," "AED," "epilepsy," "non-adherence," and "complementary and alternative medicine." An article was included in the review if the study met the following criteria: 1) conducted in epilepsy patients, 2) conducted in patients aged 18 years and above, 3) conducted in patients prescribed AEDs, and 4) patients' adherence to AEDs.
Results: A total of 3,330 studies were identified and 30 were included in the final analysis. The review found that the AED non-adherence rate reported in the studies was between 25% and 66%. The percentage of CAM use was found to be between 7.5% and 73.3%. The most common reason for inadequate AED therapy and higher dependence on CAM was the patients' belief that epilepsy had a spiritual or psychological cause, rather than primarily being a disease of the brain. Other factors for AED non-adherence were forgetfulness, specific beliefs about medications, depression, uncontrolled recent seizures, and frequent medication dosage.
Conclusion: The review found a high prevalence of CAM use and non-adherence to AEDs among epilepsy patients. However, a limited number of studies have investigated the association between CAM usage and AED adherence. Future studies may wish to explore the influence of CAM use on AED medication adherence.

Matched MeSH terms: Depressive Disorder
Use of antidepressants in the treatment of depression in Asia: guidelines, clinical evidence, and experience revisited

Treuer T, Liu CY, Salazar G, Kongsakon R, Jia F, Habil H, et al.

Asia Pac Psychiatry, 2013 Dec;5(4):219-30.
PMID: 23857712 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12090

Major depressive disorder is prevalent worldwide, and only about half of those affected will experience no further episodes or symptoms. Additionally, depressive symptoms can be challenging to identify, with many patients going undiagnosed despite a wide variety of available treatment options. Antidepressants are the cornerstone of depression treatment; however, a large number of factors must be considered in selecting the treatment best suited to the individual. To help support physicians in this process, international and national treatment guidelines have been developed. This review evaluates the current use of antidepressant treatment for major depressive disorder in six Asian countries (China, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand). No remarkable differences were noted between Asian and international treatment guidelines or among those from within Asia as these are adapted from western guidelines, although there were some local variations. Importantly, a shortage of evidence-based information at a country level is the primary problem in developing guidelines appropriate for Asia, so most of the guidelines are consensus opinions derived from western research data utilized in western guidelines. Treatment guidelines need to evolve from being consensus based to evidence based when evidence is available, taking into consideration cost/effectiveness or cost/benefit with an evidence-based approach that more accurately reflects clinical experience as well as the attributes of each antidepressant. In everyday practice, physicians must tailor their treatment to the patient's clinical needs while considering associated external factors; better tools are needed to help them reach the best possible prescribing decisions which are of maximum benefit to patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Depressive Disorder, Major/drug therapy*; Depressive Disorder, Major/economics
Unhealthy diet practice and symptoms of stress and depression among adolescents in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia

Tajik E, Latiffah AL, Awang H, Siti Nur'Asyura A, Chin YS, Azrin Shah AB, et al.

Obes Res Clin Pract, 2016 Mar-Apr;10(2):114-23.
PMID: 26204813 DOI: 10.1016/j.orcp.2015.06.001

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Missing main meals and an unhealthy snacking pattern can lead to poor diet quality and consequently to the presence of chronic diseases among which mental disorder is no exception. Since there is little research on diet, skipping meals and psychological status in Asian countries, this study tries to determine eating behaviour and predicting symptoms of stress and depression of adolescents in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Form 1 secondary school-going adolescents (n 1565, response rate: 90%) in southern Malaysia from April to May 2013. A self-administered structured and validated questionnaire (socio-demographic, eating behaviour questionnaire, and depression, anxiety and stress scales (DASS-21)) was used for data collection.

RESULTS: Among respondents, 803 (51.3%) were female, 1125 were Malay (71.9%) with a mean age of 13.7 (SD=0.8) years. Logistic regression analysis indicated that students who were underweight (OR=3.07, 95% CI 1.21, 7.76), obese (OR=2.64, 95% CI 1.01, 6.87), used to eat out of home (OR=1.37, 95% CI 1.28, 2.13), eat dinner (>4 days/week) (OR=1.59, 95% CI 1.04, 2.43) were more likely to have depression or stress symptoms. Moreover, participants with 4-7 days/week eating breakfast (OR=0.88, 95% CI 0.21, 0.89) were less likely to be at mild/moderate stress.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings underscore the effect of unhealthy eating practices among adolescents on mental health. Targeted education should be implemented to improve psychological well-being.

Matched MeSH terms: Depressive Disorder/etiology
Fulltext Understanding trypophobia: the fear of holes

Aminuddin, I., Lotfi, H.A.

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2016;25(2):0-0.
MyJurnal

The sight of clustered holes can bring about uneasiness in people, and the disgust response towards it is called trypophobia. Reactions in humans vary from nausea to severe depression. We explore the possible causes of this unique phenomenon, such as evolutionary adaptation and spectral features. We also uncover the clinical features and its relationship to other psychological conditions for example, obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Matched MeSH terms: Depressive Disorder, Major
Two new species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Southern Bukit Barisan Range of Sumatra and an estimation of their phylogeny

Harvey MB, O'connell KA, Barraza G, Riyanto A, Kurniawan N, Smith EN

Zootaxa, 2015;4020(3):495-516.
PMID: 26624112 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4020.3.5

We describe Cyrtodactylus psarops sp. nov. and C. semicinctus sp. nov., two new species of bent-toed geckos from montane forests in the southern Bukit Barisan Range of Sumatra, Indonesia. The new species are closely related to one another and to C. semenanjungensis, a lowland species currently known only from Peninsular Malaysia. Three characters of the new species immediately distinguish them from most congeners in the Sunda Region: they lack transversely enlarged subcaudals, have a precloacal depression, and have a greatly enlarged scale positioned at the apex of a continuous series of femoral and precloacal pore-bearing scales. They differ from one another in cephalic pattern, tuberculation of the brachium, and in numbers of cloacal tubercles, dorsal bands, and ventrals in a transverse row. The greatly enlarged scale at the apex of the precloacal pores appears to be a rare apomorphy of these two species and C. agamensis.

Matched MeSH terms: Depressive Disorder
Fulltext Treatment-emergent hypomania or bipolar disorder? A case report

Yin, Ping Ng, Saminah Md Kassim, Maniam, T.

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2013;14(2):157-160.
MyJurnal

Objective: This case report highlights the clinical dilemmas encountered in deciding the diagnostic status of persons with unipolar depression who develop hypomania during antidepressant/electroconvulsive therapy.

Methods: We report a case of a 52 year-old Chinese lady, diagnosed with unipolar depression, which developed hypomania after she was started on T. Fluvoxamine 100mg daily and completed 8 sessions of Electroconvulsive therapy.

Results: Her diagnosis was revised to Bipolar Disorder and she was treated with T. Sodium Valproate 400mg twice daily after which she improved.

Conclusion: Treatment-emergent hypomania is likely a subtype of bipolar spectrum disorder and patients with Treatment - emergent Hypomania should be treated as Bipolar Disorder.

Matched MeSH terms: Depressive Disorder, Major
Fulltext Translation, validation and psychometric properties of Bahasa Malaysia version of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS)

Ramli Musa, Mohd Ariff Fadzil, Zaini Zain

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2007;8(2):82-89.
MyJurnal

Background: Up to date, there are handful questionnaires that have been validated in Bahasa Malaysia (BM). This study aimed to translate the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21-item (DASS-21) and measure its psychometric properties. Objectives: To determine the construct validity and acceptability of the DASS, BM. Methods: Two forward and backward translations were done in BM in accordance to guideline, and its validation was determined by using confirmatory factor analysis. A total of 263 subjects were selected by systematic random sampling to represent Malaysian population for reliability and validity purposes. Results: The BM DASS-21 had very good Cronbach’s alpha values of .84, .74 and .79, respectively, for depression, anxiety and stress. In addition, it had good factor loading values for most items (.39 to .73). Correlations among scales were between .54 and .68. Conclusions: BM DASS-21 is correctly and adequately translated to Bahasa Malaysia with high psychometric properties. Further studies are required to support these findings.

Matched MeSH terms: Depressive Disorder
Fulltext Tianeptine dependence: a case report

Syed Nabil, Ng, Chong Guan, Rusdi Abd Rashid

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2018;27(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

Tianeptine is an atypical tricyclic antidepressant that is prescribed mainly for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorder. There have been scattered reported cases of tianeptine dependence and abuse in the literature. We report the case of a 32-year-old gentleman with resistant major depressive disorder that was initially successfully treated with Tianeptine. When his depression relapse due to work-related issue, he step-up his dosages without supervision. He developed tolerance and withdrawal to tianeptine making it difficult for him to stop without help. This case highlights the possibility of tianeptine abuse to its high tolerability and easy access for purchase.

Matched MeSH terms: Depressive Disorder, Major
Fulltext The theoretical model of school refusal: the self-efficacy concept

Maruzairi Husain, Ng, Vi Vien

Malaysian Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 2019;25(2):7-13.
MyJurnal

Introduction: School refusal is a common cause of chronically poor school attendance. The basis of school refusal behaviour can be grouped into the symptomatic and functional models, the operant conditioning model and the cognitive model. Objective: This paper is aimed to discuss the various systems and models which explain the school refusal behaviour. Method: An initial search of published literature in English Language was performed on the online databases including Google Scholar, Science Direct, EBSCOhost, and Proquest with the main keywords were School Refusal and Self–efficacy. Further sources were identified after consulting the original author for recommendations, and references within the literature retrieved in the initial search. Results: Out of 57 articles found, 41 were used in this review. Development and maintenance of school refusal involve heterogeneous risk factors and processes. The existing theoretical basis of school refusal behaviour can be grouped into symptomatic models, the operant conditioning model and the cognitive model. Conclusion: School refusal depicts a symptom, heralding the need for early intervention before development of a more pervasive mental health disorder. Where the problem had persisted for months to years, the child or adolescent would commonly present with coexisting anxiety or depressive disorders.

Matched MeSH terms: Depressive Disorder

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